NOS 2013 Jamis Dragon Race frame in my size...... pull the trigger?

I'm just getting back on the trails after a number of years away from mountain biking.
I recently picked up a ridiculous closeout deal from BD (no flaming) on a Gravity 29 Point 6 with XT/XTR. Looks like old stock from 2013-14 ish. It's a great bike, and there is nothing wrong with the frame. I've swappred the requisite items (saddle, post, stem, bars) to get rid of the generic items.
I just got wind of a reasonably priced NOS frame from 2013 - a Jamis Dragon Race (Reynolds 853). I remember this bike as a legend - starting in the 90's IIRC, and I remember the 29er version being considered a great bike.
Its geometry seems to be somewhat between old and new - 71 HT, 72 ST.

The Gravity is 70/72.
Again, the Gravity rides great, but I have a hard time not popping for a nice steel frame (I love steel).

I'm primarily an XC guy. I've been a lifelong cyclist (now in my 50's) and started riding mountain bikes in 1985. I pretty much gravitate to hardtail bikes, and ride singletrack, not afraid to dive into rocky, rooty stuff and enjoy the challenge of picking a good line through what most DH'ers and AM'ers fly over. That said, my sweetspot is flowy singletrack with lots of topography.
The only FS bike I ever liked was my old Klein Adept Pro, which (let's face it) may as well have been a hardtail - 80mm fork and 2.5" rear travel. Great bike.
So, there you go.

Anyone with thoughts/experience that can chime in (good/bad/ugly)?
Thanks for any info or input folks may have.

I would look for a ritchey P29 frame. It has the same 135mm rear dropouts but they made it with a tapered headtube. That will allow you to get an angleset headset and slacken the bike to 69 or 68 or upgrade the fork down the road if you want to. The dragon or ritchey would both be worth transforming into $4k msrp bikes but the ritchey will be more versatile. https://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_fro...y+p29&_sacat=0

I would look for a ritchey P29 frame. It has the same 135mm rear dropouts but they made it with a tapered headtube. That will allow you to get an angleset headset and slacken the bike to 69 or 68 or upgrade the fork down the road if you want to. The dragon or ritchey would both be worth transforming into $4k msrp bikes but the ritchey will be more versatile. https://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_fro...y+p29&_sacat=0

Definitely another option - the P29 has been on my radar. The compelling thing right now is that I can get the Jamis for under $300 shipped. Otherwise, I'm not necessarily itching to get out of the Gravity - it is a pretty sorted out frame - BD bikes are made by Kinesis, which shares factory space with some pretty nice bikes - quality is nice, and the geometry seems pretty good.

If the Jamis becomes a no go, I'll keep my eyes peeled for other deals that offer an upgrade without alot of cash outlay.

This bike is a stand in - I'd ultimately like to get a Jones Plus SWB - spaceframe with truss fork, so I'm biding my time.
Anyway, the P29 is definitely an option if I can get one below the $400 mark.

Sounds like we are similar in age and riding style.
I sold lots of Jamis bikes from the late 80's to early 90's and had been interested in picking up a Dragon for a while. When the deal came up on mine, I grabbed it. I've been quite pleased with it so far.

I have a Dragon Race myself. Absolutely love it. I think the Reynolds 853 is a nicer tubeset than what Ritchey uses. I did wish it came with a tapered head tube, but I was able to procure all my parts from a previous bike and swap it over to the Dragon frame.

Great feedback. I agree - 853 is great steel.
I look forward to building it up. Should be a nice steed.
If I get $100 or so for the Gravity frame, I'll only be $175 out of pocket for the upgrade. Pretty cool!

Out of curiosity - what rear tire size are you guys running? The Jamis site shows a 2.0 rear tire in the standard spec. I have a 2.25 WTB Trail Boss on a 20(ish)i rim. I also have a 2.1 WTB if the 2.25 is too tight.
I haven't measured the inner rim dimension and have had trouble finding the specs online - WTB Speed Disc All Mountain 29. Looks like OD is 26mm.

Great feedback. I agree - 853 is great steel.
I look forward to building it up. Should be a nice steed.
If I get $100 or so for the Gravity frame, I'll only be $175 out of pocket for the upgrade. Pretty cool!

Out of curiosity - what rear tire size are you guys running? The Jamis site shows a 2.0 rear tire in the standard spec. I have a 2.25 WTB Trail Boss on a 20(ish)i rim. I also have a 2.1 WTB if the 2.25 is too tight.
I haven't measured the inner rim dimension and have had trouble finding the specs online - WTB Speed Disc All Mountain 29. Looks like OD is 26mm.

I am currently running WTB Wolverine 2.2 with no issues on my 2008 Dragon. My Specialized Fastrak 2.3 also worked with plenty of clearance. The 2.4 Rapid Rob was a bit tight.

I am currently running WTB Wolverine 2.2 with no issues on my 2008 Dragon. My Specialized Fastrak 2.3 also worked with plenty of clearance. The 2.4 Rapid Rob was a bit tight.

That's fantastic! Great to know that the 2.25 should slot right in, and there is the potential for even more meat out back.

I recall having 2.4 ardents front and rear on my Singular Gryphon (fully rigid), and loved having the extra bite and absorbtion of the larger tires.
Not quite plus, but definitely better than being limited to 2.0-2.1

My 27.5 barely fits 2.3 morsas which measure at 2.37. A true 2.4 would not fit and I doubt the 2.35 schwalbes would fit. If you like ardent front and back try out the 2.3 morsa it is a very similar tire with bigger side knobs. Wolverine is a huge 2.2.

Got mine all build up and have done a few rides. What a fabulous frame!!!!!!
The chainstays do not feel long at all - the bike climbs like a goat, and the front has a great balance to it.
I put the Jones loop riser bar on it, and really love it. Not my first Jones bar - I'm sold on the 45 degree sweep for my physiology. I feel so much more in control, and the bar seems to really help smooth the feel of the bike.

Here are a few shots - both clean and dirty!

The WTB 2.25's just fit in back. I've got room in front for a 2.4 or even 2.5 on this rim. 2.3 for now.

Got mine all build up and have done a few rides. What a fabulous frame!!!!!!
The chainstays do not feel long at all - the bike climbs like a goat, and the front has a great balance to it.
I put the Jones loop riser bar on it, and really love it. Not my first Jones bar - I'm sold on the 45 degree sweep for my physiology. I feel so much more in control, and the bar seems to really help smooth the feel of the bike.

The welds cracked where the seat stays meet the seattube. I was riding and the tire started hitting the frame. I couldn't figure out what was going on, LBS polished all the dirt and dust from the welds on the rear triangle and two cracks appeared. bummer.

Took the bike out for a chilly night ride last night. Tons of fun. Some of the local trails are open for night rides, which will be really nice through these dark months.
Temps were just above freezing, and I had the trails to myself. There is a local group ride that does the same trails on Tuesdays, but I didn't see anyone on the ride.